10 Best Questions to Ask During a Wedding Venue Tour
When it’s time to start touring venues, the details can feel overwhelming—especially when every space looks picture-perfect online. Asking the right questions during your tour helps you look beyond the pretty décor and make sure the venue truly fits your wedding vision, budget, and logistics.
At The Old Schoolhouse in Newberg, Oregon, we love when couples come prepared with thoughtful questions—it shows you’re serious about creating a stress-free, unforgettable day. Whether you’re touring our historic property or exploring others in the Willamette Valley, here are ten smart questions to bring with you.
1. What’s included in the rental fee?
Clarify exactly what’s covered—tables, chairs, décor, setup and teardown, and whether you’ll need to rent additional items. At The Old Schoolhouse, our packages include access to both indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, setup and breakdown of tables and chairs, and unmatched hospitality.
2. How many guests can the space comfortably hold?
Capacity is more than a number—it’s about comfort and flow. Make sure the venue can accommodate your guest count for both ceremony and reception. Ask how layouts change for different seasons or weather plans. Our indoor space can flex up to 160 for a seated dinner reception, but 120 is much more comfortable and allows room for a dance floor. Our outdoor space can accommodate 200+!
3. Do you offer indoor and outdoor ceremony options?
Oregon weather can surprise you. Look for flexibility. Our venue includes a bright, historic indoor ballroom, a beautifully landscaped garden, and a whimsical hazelnut orchard so couples can transition seamlessly between settings if the forecast changes.
4. What are your catering and bar policies?
Some venues have exclusive vendors; others allow outside catering. Ask about alcohol service rules, catering prep areas, and whether bar service must be provided by a licensed bartender. At The Old Schoolhouse, we welcome your choice of caterer and bartender - so long as they hold the proper OLCC/food handlers licenses!
5. Are there noise or music restrictions?
Outdoor receptions are magical, but local ordinances often apply. Ask about decibel limits and music cutoff times. We maintain a limit of 80 decibels at the property edge to keep the celebration lively and neighbor-friendly.
6. What’s the rain plan?
If your venue offers outdoor spaces, a detailed rain contingency is essential. Find out where the backup ceremony area is and how quickly staff can make the switch. In Oregon, it’s peace of mind you’ll be glad you asked for. With our indoor ballroom space, The Old Schoolhouse can easily transition from ceremony to reception to keep guests dry and comfortable. Tenting in the garden is permissible, allowing couples to continue plans for outdoor celebrations regardless of Oregon weather!
7. Is there parking or shuttle access for guests?
Ask about on-site parking, overflow options, and whether shuttles or rideshares can easily access the venue. At our Newberg location, we provide ample parking and accessible entry points for guests and vendors alike.
8. How much time do we get for setup and cleanup?
Understanding when you can arrive and when vendors can load out helps you plan a smooth timeline. Always confirm early access hours and whether the venue team assists with teardown. Access to The Old Schoolhouse begins at 8:00am and ends at 11:00pm, giving couples a rare full day of access to the space.
9. Are there décor restrictions?
Venues often limit open flames, confetti, or certain hanging installations. Clarify these in advance to avoid surprises. Our team at The Old Schoolhouse can guide you on décor options that preserve the beauty—and history—of our 1928 building.
10. How do we reserve our date?
Once you find “the one,” act fast! Ask about deposit amounts, payment schedules, and cancellation policies. At The Old Schoolhouse, dates are secured with a signed contract and 50% deposit + cleaning deposit, with the remaining balance due 60 days prior to your wedding.
Final Thoughts
A great tour is more than a walkthrough—it’s the start of a relationship with your venue team. Don’t hesitate to take notes, ask for photos, and picture how the space will feel filled with your loved ones.
If you’re looking for a romantic, timeless setting in Oregon wine country, schedule a private tour of The Old Schoolhouse in Newberg.
Let’s bring your wedding vision to life in a space full of history, warmth, and charm.